indictment

An indictment is a formal written accusation that a person has committed a crime. In many common law jurisdictions, indictments are issued after a review of evidence by a grand jury or, in some cases, by a prosecutor’s information. An indictment typically lists one or more counts, with each count alleging a specific offense and the essential facts that constitute the charge. Importantly, an indictment is not a finding of guilt; it is a procedural charging document that initiates criminal proceedings and defines the scope of the upcoming trial.

In the United States, federal and many state systems use grand juries to decide whether to indict for serious offenses, though prosecutors may obtain an information or complaint without a grand jury indictment in some circumstances. The indictment then leads to arraignment, where the defendant is informed of the charges, enters a plea, and prepares a defense. The document may be challenged by pretrial motions seeking to dismiss or modify it if it is deficient, unjust, or prejudicial. Indictments can sometimes be amended or dismissed.

Jurisdictional variation exists. In the United Kingdom, the term relates to indictable offences that are tried on indictment in Crown Court, and the charging document serves to begin the criminal process. Across jurisdictions, the indictment’s core function remains: to formally announce criminal charges and enable a court to proceed with a trial, while keeping the accused's rights and due process protections in place.